LIVERPOOL WON`T STAND IN BENITEZ`S WAY - REPORTS
The Liverpool hierarchy will not stand in Rafa Benitez's way if Juventus formalise their reputed interest in securing his services, according to reports.
Speculation has raged for the past two weeks that the Old Lady of Italian football want Benitez to become their next manager and are prepared to offer him a four-year, £16m contract in order to lure him away from Anfield.
'While the Italians are not yet near to putting a formal request to Liverpool there is the sense that the move will speed up over the next few weeks,' reports The Independent.
'Senior figures at Liverpool have indicated that - unlike in the past when Benitez has parlayed his popularity with the fans into improved contracts and greater influence at the club - this will not be the case should Juventus's offer turn out to be genuine.'
Benitez's position is certainly significantly weaker than it was this time last year when his side were still challenging for a league title. Following a dismal campaign this season, it looks almost certain that he will fail to deliver on the "guarantee" of Champions League qualification he stated at the start of the year.
- Football365.com